Gabriel Martinelli makes statement as Rice shows frustration in Arsenal win

Gabriel Martinelli makes statement as Rice shows frustration in Arsenal win


Key takeaways from Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Club as Mikel Arteta’s side maintain their strong start to the campaign.

The Champions League returned with Arsenal looking to go one step further after last season’s near miss, and their pursuit of a first-ever European crown is off to a solid start.

Second-half goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard secured a professional win in Bilbao, extending the Gunners’ impressive early-season form to four victories in five matches across all competitions.

With a crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester City coming up on Sunday, Arteta’s men now carry momentum and three valuable European points into that clash.

Champions League debut delight
For many professionals, Champions League football represents the pinnacle. Eberechi Eze savored his first taste of the competition after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer. Fresh from assisting in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, the 27-year-old started in Spain and was visibly proud as he lined up for the anthem, sharing a smile with fellow summer recruit Noni Madueke. While Eze debuted in the tournament proper, Madueke’s only prior experience came in qualifying rounds with PSV Eindhoven.

Rice and Merino exchange words
Declan Rice and Mikel Merino—key figures in Arsenal’s European campaign last term—both started in midfield, with Merino stepping in for the injured Martin Ødegaard. Early on, Arsenal struggled to assert themselves, and during a stoppage for treatment to Viktor Gyökeres, Rice and Merino were seen in animated discussion, seemingly debating tactics on the pitch.

Martinelli’s subtle message
Gabriel Martinelli has faced increasing scrutiny following Eze’s arrival, with many questioning his place in Arteta’s first-choice XI. Introduced in the 71st minute, he made an instant impact—scoring just 36 seconds later with a composed finish through the middle of Athletic’s defence.

Yet, instead of an exuberant celebration, Martinelli’s reaction was restrained. He jogged away before waiting for teammates to surround him, with Riccardo Calafiori the first to embrace him, followed by Madueke, Merino, and Trossard.

While losing his starting spot won’t sit well with the Brazilian, his lively cameo in Bilbao has strengthened his case for a recall against Manchester City this weekend.

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